The night sky has deep cultural significance in many Indigenous knowledge systems. Stories, traditions, and astronomical knowledge are often embedded in cultural practice and environmental understanding.¹²

Published: 2 June 2026 | EMFSA

‘Unacceptable to our people’: Diverse cultural beliefs, Indigenous rights, and the future of human activities on the Moon by John C. Barentine

Given the consensus nature of international norms and standards for acceptable actions undertaken in space, including on the Moon, anything short of free, prior and informed consent is inconsistent with the idea enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty that space is “the province of all mankind”.

PDF: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2605.17706

Citation: 

arXiv:2605.17706 

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2605.17706

EMFSA May 2026 Newsletter Highlights Additional Topics

• AI and Technology

What does the Pope say about:

• AI and education?
• Age limits for digital devices?

• The Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB): An Active Research Target

Although millimeter waves (mm waves) used in 5G have very limited penetration into biological tissue, researchers continue to investigate potential BBB-related effects because biological systems may respond through indirect pathways. The evidence remains mixed and is not yet fully resolved.

• Experimental and clinical evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field effects on the blood–brain barrier: a scoping review (Open Access)

Citation:
Elif Taspinar Simsek et al. (2026) Physics in Medicine & Biology, 71(10), 10TR01.
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ae6e17
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6560/ae6e17

• How important are independent review processes and effective patient education, particularly in cases involving rare or poorly understood conditions?

References

https://practicalneurology.com/news/explanation-for-the-new-brunswick-mystery-illness-proposed-in-new-article/2474615

Bendahan N, Gautreau S, Medina Escobar A, et al. Clinical and Neuropathological Evaluations of the New Brunswick Neurological Syndrome of Unknown Cause. JAMA Neurol. 2025;82(8):788–796. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.1718 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2833783

• Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) – Call for Papers

Submission status: Open
Submission deadline: 11 February 2027

Submissions are invited from researchers across behavioural ecology, chronobiology, urban ecology, conservation science, environmental physiology, and related disciplines. Contributions addressing methodological innovation, ecosystem-scale analyses, and policy-relevant approaches to understanding and mitigating the impacts of ALAN are particularly encouraged.

Read more: https://www.nature.com/collections/aggecijegc

• 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) studies

• S. Adda et al., Maximum Exposure of 5G Base Stations in the mmWave Band: the Impact of Multi-User MIMO and CSI-RS Ports, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. DOI: 10.1109/TIM.2026.3690868 (Open Access CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11527038
• S. Iakovidis et al., “A Novel Framework for Realistic 3D Skin Modeling and its Exposure to Millimeter Waves,” in IEEE Journal of Microwaves, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 641-652, May 2026, doi: 10.1109/JMW.2026.3684941 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11506041

• A comprehensive international framework addressing both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

 https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/radiation-monitoring-and-preparedness/

Link to EMFSA May 2026 Newsletter Highlights https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-may-2026-newsletter

Further reading https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/5g-frequency-range-2-fr2/

Footnotes

² Harrison KD, Kelso N, Ramík DM, Ramík N, Plunkett GM, Neriam R, Nasauman W, Nasauman W, Balick MJ. “Sun brings all things”: Sun and moon lore as biocultural knowledge on Aneityum island, Vanuatu. PLoS One. 2025 Aug 1;20(8):e0327693. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327693. PMID: 40749018; PMCID: PMC12316303. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12316303/

The post EMFSA May 2026 Newsletter Highlights  appeared first on EMFSA.

Blue light exposure at night can disrupt the mother’s circadian rhythm — a factor increasingly linked to fetal development and autism spectrum disorders.

Image generated with AI using ChatGPT (OpenAI), input by EMFSA.

A Neglected Risk Factor in Pregnancy

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are commonly linked to factors such as poor nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins. Circadian disruption is now being recognized as another important contributor. Research over the past decade indicates that the circadian system begins developing prenatally through entrainment from the mother.

—Circadian Rhythms as Modulators of Brain Health During Development and Throughout Aging, PMC

How the Fetal Clock Develops — and Why It Matters

The foundation of the circadian system begins forming well before birth. In humans, the brain’s master clock—known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—can be identified by the third trimester. This system is thought to develop in response to maternal signals such as melatonin and daily light-dark cycles. A baby is believed to have a fully functional SCN by around nine months of age.

Research indicates that circadian rhythms influence brain development from early gestation through old age. Disruptions during prenatal development may increase the risk of behavioral and cognitive impairments later in life, while aging is also associated with a natural weakening of these rhythms. Supporting a strong internal clock during pregnancy may therefore be one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to help protect long-term brain health.
— Circadian Rhythms as Modulators of Brain Health During Development and Throughout Aging, PMC

How Circadian Disruption Occurs in Pregnancy

Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between gestational chronodisruption and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Common sources of circadian disruption during pregnancy include:

• Shift work
  
• Jet lag from travel across time zones
  
• Exposure to artificial light at night
  

— Light and Circadian Signaling Pathway in Pregnancy: Programming of Adult Health and Disease

A Link Worth Investigating Further

The connection between Autism, Circadian Disruption and Pregnancy is becoming more evident as researchers explore how maternal circadian health may shape neurodevelopmental outcomes in the fetus.

Epigenetic Impacts: Altered Placental DNA Methylation

Early-life circadian disruption may increase the risk of chronic illness later in life. Circadian rhythms regulate critical biological processes, including hormone secretion and metabolic function. When disrupted—such as through night shift work—these rhythms can influence the developing fetus in unexpected ways.

One emerging area of concern is the impact on placental DNA methylation.

Clarkson-Townsend et al. (2019) conducted the first study to examine how night shift work, used as a proxy for circadian disruption, may alter methylation patterns in the placenta. Although the findings require cautious interpretation, the study suggests that maternal circadian disruption could lead to epigenetic changes with lasting effects.

Animal studies also indicate that circadian desynchrony in early life can lead to enduring autistic-like behavioral changes in adulthood, reinforcing the potential long-term impact of disrupted rhythms during gestation.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodevelopment

Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Among these are Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. ADHD and autism are both neurodevelopmental conditions that affect brain development and how a person functions day to day. Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can influence behavior, learning, communication, and emotional regulation throughout life.
— ADHD vs. Autism: The Differences and Similarities

Practical Guidance for Expectant Mothers

Given the potential risks, gynecologists and healthcare professionals should advise pregnant women—and those planning to conceive—to minimize exposure to artificial light at night, especially blue light emitted by phones and screens. Limiting screen use at night is a simple, cost-free measure that may help safeguard fetal circadian development and support healthier neurodevelopmental outcomes.
More on the topic

Dramatically altered environmental lighting conditions in women with high-risk pregnancy during hospitalization – EMFSA

The Emerging Link between Wireless and Autism – EMFSA

The post Autism, Circadian Disruption and Pregnancy appeared first on EMFSA.

Published on May 5, 2025

Dr. Mortazavi recently summarized these findings: Dr. Alireza Mortazavi – LinkedIn Post on Breast Cancer, Blue Light, and Public Health

Infographic: Artificial light at night & breast cancer risk, highlighting both global studies and the early work by Mortazavi et al. Several studies have found links between exposure to artificial light at night—especially blue light from screens—and increased breast cancer risk, particularly in genetically predisposed women.

Artificial Light at Night & Breast Cancer Risk: What Does the Science Say?
Recent studies suggest a concerning link between nighttime light exposure and breast cancer risk, though the strength of evidence varies.

Global studies and the early work by Mortazavi et al.

• Kloog et al. (2011) found that higher levels of outdoor ALAN correlate with increased breast cancer incidence.
• Männisto et al. (2021) highlighted smartphone screen exposure as a potential risk factor, though direct large-scale studies are still limited.
• He et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis showing a moderate positive association between ALAN and breast cancer risk.
• James et al. (2017) linked both indoor and outdoor artificial light to higher risk, especially in younger women, using nurse cohort data.
• Garcia-Sánchez et al. (2018) found an association between tablet use in the bedroom and increased breast cancer risk, supporting concerns around digital screens and circadian disruption.

Mortazavi et al. (2018–2024) contributed valuable research on blue light, screen time, and machine learning models predicting breast cancer risk—offering insights but calling for further studies.

• Mortazavi SAR, Tahmasebi S, Lech JC, Welsh JS, Taleie A, Rezaianzadeh A, Zamani A, Mega K, Nematollahi S, Zamani A, Mortazavi SMJ, Sihver L. Digital Screen Time and the Risk of Female Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Matched Case-Control Study. J Biomed Phys Eng. 2024 Apr 1;14(2):169-182. doi: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2310-1678. PMID: 38628888; PMCID: PMC11016821.
• Mortazavi, Seyed Ali Reza et al. “Machine Learning Models for Predicting Breast Cancer Risk in Women Exposed to Blue Light from Digital Screens.” Journal of biomedical physics & engineering vol. 12,6 637-644. 1 Dec. 2022, doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.210
• Mortazavi SAR, Mortazavi SMJ. Women with hereditary breast cancer predispositions should avoid using their smartphones, tablets, and laptops at night. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2018 Feb;21(2):112-115. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2018.27711.6751. PMID: 29456806; PMCID: PMC5811748.

Key Takeaway

While more research is needed to confirm causality, the current body of evidence supports a clear warning—excessive exposure to artificial light at night, particularly blue light from screens, may elevate breast cancer risk.
As digital devices become ever more integrated into our lives, it’s critical to explore preventive strategies, support further interdisciplinary research, and increase public awareness.

Explore more: What has Light got to do with Breast Cancer?

The post Infographic: Artificial Light at Night & Breast Cancer Risk appeared first on EMFSA.

In recent groundbreaking research, Dr. Alireza Mortazavi and his supervisors at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences have unveiled potential health implications that could affect millions. Their study explores a concerning link between digital screen time and breast cancer risk.

Videos

The Link Between Digital Screen Time and Breast Cancer https://youtu.be/wM98EsBFvss

Women at risk of breast cancer should avoid screens at night https://youtu.be/GfeQ0UI2rW4

The post Study explores a concerning link between digital screen time and breast cancer risk appeared first on EMFSA.

Link to our April 2024 Newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/screens-cancer-breast-prostate-iarc-5g

The post EMFSA April 2024 Newsletter appeared first on EMFSA.

16th of December 2023

Widely known causes of insect decline are deforestation, pesticide use, artificial light pollution and climate change.

Although there is growing concern about the effect of anthropogenic (man made) electromagnetic radiation exposure to insects we cannot ignore the effect of another type of anthropogenic EMR, artificial light at night (ALAN).

Vanbergen et al.,2019: “The extent that anthropogenic EMR (ALAN or AREMR) represents a significant threat to insect pollinators and the benefits they provide to nature and humankind therefore remains to be clearly established” (AREMR = anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation).

This Brief focuses on the lighting design adaptations and mitigation measures tailored for sensitive habitats and taxa. It also highlights ongoing efforts by local governments and communities to address Artificial Light at Night pollution (ALAN).

As per the Brief, regarding insects

Insects

There is concern that the increased usage of white LEDs will impact insects as they are more sensitive to short wavelengths. One group that is particularly prone to negative effects of ALAN are moths, and research has shown that light pollution affects their reproduction and development. In turn, it also affects the composition of moth assemblages and the ecosystem functions they perform.

The EU Pollinators Initiative is the first ever EU action framework to tackle the decline of wild pollinators. A workshop took place online in 2022, which aimed to strengthen actions to enhance pollinator friendly artificial night lighting in Europe, through the existing Pollinators Initiative (Stockhammer, Zulka and Schindler, 2022). Organised by DG Environment and the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), the workshop was aimed at experts across stakeholder groups, including public authorities, practitioners engaged in spatial planning, innovation and social change experts, academia, land managers and non- governmental organisations The resulting revised EU Pollinators Initiative was released in January 2023 9, recommending member states to mitigate the impact of light pollution through national and regional policies. The updated initiative also highlighted the Commission’s new guidelines on light pollution mitigation for cities10 and citizens for pollinator conservation11.

The revised EU Pollinators Initiative states that the Commission has integrated recommendations on how to mitigate light pollution into its guidelines for citizens and cities, and will continue to promote them (European Commission, 2023).

The interaction of light pollution with other pollutants is still poorly understood, and therefore a growing concern of the science community. 

Two large scale interdisciplinary research projects investigating the impact of light pollution and effectiveness of mitigation measures, are planned to be funded within the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme (HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV01-2)17. Both projects will investigate light and noise pollution with respect to impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services and innovative mitigation measures, with ‘AquaPlan’ (101135471), focussed on European seas lakes and rivers, whereas ‘Plan B’ (101135308) is focussed on terrestrial ecosystems.

What we can all do to reduce light pollution outside your house:

To lower skyglow in your city, town or village you can minimise light pollution outside your house, in your garden, terrace or front door. Do you need lights in these spaces all the time? If not, can they be used only at certain times of night? Motion activation or temporal lighting with automatic timers can help. Extinguish lights when not needed, or dim to the lowest acceptable light intensity. Use lights which are shielded – so light doesn’t travel upwards or downwards unnecessarily, and use warm lights with a red wavelength rather than a blue one. Lastly, simply close your curtains or shutters in the evening when you turn on lights inside your home (IEEP, 2020). https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/future-brief-light-pollution-mitigation-measures-environmental-protection-issue-28_en

Biomonitors

Mair KS, Irrgeher J, Haluza D. Elucidating the Role of Honey Bees as Biomonitors in Environmental Health Research. Insects. 2023 Nov;14(11):874. DOI: 10.3390/insects14110874. PMID: 37999073; PMCID: PMC10671894

The study does not consider anthropogenic light or EMF exposure but provides an insight into the biomonitoring of the honey bee and how it  delivers valuable information on the state of the shared environment and how well honey bees can help us monitor pollutants from an environmental health perspective.

The earliest publication on the use of honey bees as bioindicators dates back to 1935, when Svoboda reviewed the negative effects of industrial pollutants on honey bees in former Czechoslovakia, as stated by Porrini et al. [5]. Since then, honey bees have been used in numerous biomonitoring studies, ranging from assessing radionuclides after the nuclear plant incident at Chernobyl to determining pesticide contamination at agricultural sites [5,6,7,8,9].

The systematic literature review provided a comprehensive overview of the utilization of the honey bee as a tool for pollutant monitoring, encompassing articles published within the decade spanning from 2010 to 2020. Nineteen studies were included in the systematic literature review. Of these studies, the majority (n = 15) focused on the detection of heavy metals in honey bees and beehive products, while 4 studies focused on air pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or particulate matter.

The authors state that by using the One Health approach, a safer world for all living creatures, fostering a balance between human development and the preservation of ecosystems, can be achieved. This concept not only protects human health but also recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the critical role animals and the environment play in our shared well-being. From an environmental health viewpoint, the honey bee can be considered as a model organism for the One Health concept [19].

Read the full article https://europepmc.org/article/MED/37999073

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review summarizes the results of studies investigating the toxicity of electromagnetic fields in insects. According to the authors, biological effects of non-thermal EMF on insects are clearly proven in the laboratory, but only partly in the field, thus the wider ecological implications are still unknown. Reference: Thill, Alain, Cammaerts, Marie-Claire and Balmori, Alfonso. “Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis” Reviews on Environmental Health, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2023-0072

ETAIN is part of the CLUE-H cluster focused on Electromagnetic Fields, Health Risks, and 5G

By developing anatomically and electromagnetically accurate 3D ElectroMagnetic (3D-EM) models of insects, the project quantifies potential changes in their RF-EMF exposure and answers the question whether (non-) thermal effects in insects could occur.

Honey Bees, solitary bees and blue bottle flies will also be studied to test if RF-EMF exposure impacts the immature development and fitness of insect pollinators.

The absorption and penetration of RF-EMF in insects is expected to increase due to the shift towards 5G and 6G, caused by resonance effects in small bodies. 

ETAIN updates systematic reviews on RF-EMF health effects with upcoming evidence from the scientific literature, results from this project such as effects on skin, eye, insects and other anticipated results while creating a white paper with policy recommendations. https://www.etainproject.eu/the-project

Climate Change

“We warn that, if no action is taken to better understand and reduce the action of climate change on insects, we will drastically reduce our ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy, functional ecosystems.” Harvey et al., 2022

Outdoor lighting is not currently included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all members to the United Nations, although most of the 17 sustainable development goals are impacted by light pollution.

To ensure a more ecological sustainable future in Europe, and globally, individuals, cities, governments and international conservation organisations need to include the effects of anthropogenic lighting in planning and decision-making. https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/future-brief-light-pollution-mitigation-measures-environmental-protection-issue-28_en

Climate impact disclosure

Despite mobile operators being at the forefront of net zero ambitions and most disclosing their climate impacts, a significant part of the ecosystem currently does not report its impact. Of total global connections, 2.8 billion (34%) are currently provided by mobile operators that do not disclose their climate impact. While operators from more developed countries are likely to have higher levels of disclosure, less developed countries in Asia and Africa have the strongest representation in the list of those that do not disclose. To fully understand the emissions of the mobile industry, harmonised and ubiquitous climate impact disclosure is essential. 

5G

Although 5G offers a significant energy-efficiency improvement per gigabyte when compared to previous technologies, new 5G use cases and the adoption of mmWave will require more sites and antennas. This leads to the prospect of a more efficient network that could paradoxically result in higher emissions in the absence of active intervention. 5G is the first wireless technology where energy efficiency has been considered during standardisation.

Each cellular technology has become more energy efficient since 2G as the transmission technology has improved. On top of this, a number of energy saving measures are built into the 5G standard, such as sleep or shutdown functions in the transceiver and a low-energy scheduler solution. 5G has been designed with network energy efficiency in mind, with 5G’s specification offering the potential for a 90% reduction in energy use to transfer each bit of data compared to previous wireless technologies. https://www.gsma.com/betterfuture/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Moble-Net-Zero-State-of-the-Industry-on-Climate-Action-2022.pdf

Solutions that are effective, economical and pragmatic – South African National Report 2022

The number of LIGHT, EMF and Climate Change related complaints received by various government departments has been increasing over time. In the past, these have not been handled optimally, but there is now a general consensus to strive toward cooperative solutions and synergy. One of the proposed means employed is to increase both technical and non-technical communication strategies. This will encourage the nation’s inhabitants to become citizen scientists in a pedagogy that is aligned with this committee’s voice. Dialogue and growth in working together is needed and why the designed and carried out solutions in this report are effective- economical and pragmatic, enabling all residents of SA and globally to employ, test, and enhance within their own personal spaces, work and government facilities.

Example:

Reference:

Lech, James; Krüger, Tjaart; Boros, László; Venter, Derik; Obajuluwa, Adejoke; Abrahamse, Heidi; et al. (2022). World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) – 11th anniversary of the International Optical Radiation and 26th anniversary of EMF Project meeting, World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) . figshare. Conference contribution. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20012759.v1; also available at

In conclusion

It is vital to lead by example and adapt our residences and businesses accordingly for the sake of environmental health.

The post Insects: Anthropogenic Electromagnetic Radiation (including ALAN) – Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Environmental Health appeared first on EMFSA.

Read our newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/gsma-scheer-base-stations-emc-emi

The post EMFSA October 2023 Newsletter appeared first on EMFSA.

The most important topic in this month’s newsletter:

Colorectal cancer in young people

https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/ehs-emfis-jammers-cancer-mm-waves-smartphones-emi

The post EMFSA March 2023 Newsletter appeared first on EMFSA.

The intentions are good: help save the planet by reducing energy consumption from streetlights. Claims also include the reduction of light pollution.

However, there could be unintended consequences associated with energy saving LED streetlights.

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), Light Pollution and Circadian Disruption:

In many cases these new LED streetlights are contributing to light pollution, with serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.

Since 2017 there is general scientific consensus that light has the most significant outcome on altering any biochemistry in life, either positively or negatively.

So-called “white” LEDs emit a portion of their light at wavelengths below 500 nm (blue). These wavelengths are not beneficial to human and environmental health.

The 2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA  mandates that streetlights are modified/adjusted by changing from an energy flux model (white) to a photon flux model (orange/red). UV is included too and flicker. A photon flux model results in significantly lower energy inputs and is much more beneficial to human health.

Mounting evidence indicates that disruption of circadian regulation is associated with a wide variety of adverse health consequences, including increased risk for premature death, cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular dysfunction, immune dysregulation, reproductive problems, mood disorders, and learning deficits. Of particular interest here is obesity and breast cancer.

•In 2019 a working group from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that “shift work that involves circadian disruption is probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A): IARC Monographs Vol 124 group. Carcinogenicity of night shift work: Lancet Oncology; Published 4 July 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30455-3

•2 June 2020 IARC Monographs Volume 124: Night Shift Work https://tinyurl.com/5tk2y76v

 •In 2016, the American Medical Association responded to the growing body of evidence suggesting that intense LEDs are harmful to human health by recommending that communities change streetlights to “minimize and control blue-rich environmental lighting.”

Energy Flux versus Photon Flux model

Video

25:39 Night Sky, Satellites

26:19 Energy Flux versus Photon Flux model

Western Cape Nature residential estate:

Prone to wildfires, drought and high winds on the coast dune line.

Intervention: external building lighting changed to a Photon-flux model.

Outcome:

•Night sky constellations and satellites were significantly more visible.

•Significant increase in wildlife visibility and engagement within the area. 

•Residents went to sleep earlier and there was a decrease of reported health complaints.

•Decrease in property break in attempts at night. 

•Neighboring vegetation growth on the dune increased, and grass lawn resilience to the summer elements, heat and winds significantly increased as illustrated in the images below.

A Human Right:

On the 28th of July 2022 the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right and calling for greater global efforts to ensure that principle is upheld. 

This resolution updates the Equality Act under the heading of International Binding Treaties, as per the 2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA

This is not progress!

A LED energy saving street light is placed in very close proximity to a residence (without any warning or consultation with the homeowner). 

The light is so bright that it is impossible to spend time outside at night in the garden.

To make matters worse, the light is on all day.

Imagine the frustration- attempts to resolve the matter are ignored;  enquiries to the municipality in regards to the specifications of the light are ignored or sent from pillar to post.

The public is aware that some smart cities incorporate sensors for air quality, pedestrian traffic, monitoring electricity use and more. In addition some streetlights are equipped for telecommunication purposes. Is it a wonder then that conspiracy theories flourish – when there is such a lack of transparency and cooperation?

“Done well, LEDs could save the planet, in the sense of reining in light pollution,” says astronomer John Barentine, also of International Dark-Sky Association. “Done carelessly, it could be devastating.”

References:

2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA

American Medical Association warns of health and safety problems from ‘white’ LED streetlights https://tinyurl.com/bdcs76cz

UN General Assembly Resolution https://tinyurl.com/y9ksmcyz

Thomas Münzel, Omar Hahad, Andreas Daiber, The dark side of nocturnal light pollution. Outdoor light at night increases risk of coronary heart disease, European Heart Journal, Volume 42, Issue 8, 21 February 2021, Pages 831–834, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa866

Miao Cao, Ting Xu, Daqiang Yin, Understanding light pollution: Recent advances on its health threats and regulations, Journal of Environmental Sciences, Volume 127, 2023, Pages 589-602, 1001-0742, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.020

Bright LEDs could spell the end of dark skies MIT Technology Review https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/17/1057652/outdoor-led-lighting/

Our nights are getting brighter and Earth is paying the price https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies

Shanghai wants to dim light pollution https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/05/WS62ec779ea310fd2b29e70776.html

The post Energy Saving LED Street Lights-The Unintended Consequences appeared first on EMFSA.

the night sky (Section 1);

wildlife and ecology (Section 2);

human health (Section 3);

public safety (Section 4);

energy security and climate change (Section 5);

and social justice (Section 6).

It also includes a discussion of the emerging threat from light pollution caused by objects orbiting the Earth (Section 7).

Finally, it concludes with a discussion of the knowledge gaps that exist within these topics and the research questions whose answers can fill the gaps (Section 8).

It is intended be useful to those seeking to broaden their understanding of research on the causes and consequences of artificial light at night.

Source:

https://www.darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SOTS-post-final-version-220527.pdf

https://www.darksky.org/artificial-light-at-night-state-of-the-science-2022-report/

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